MBB - Voyageurs suffer home opener loss to Gaels

On Friday night, the men's basketball team hosted the Queen's Gaels for this season's home opener. The Voyageurs played the Gaels last weekend and dropped the game, and this result was repeated in the Ben Avery, with the Gaels winning 91-39.

The Gaels put up 3 points to start the game, while Voyageurs' Keenan Morain quickly answered with a layup. Four minutes into the first quarter, Ismael Konate got fouled, resulting in two made free throws, and a 3-point shot from Caillou Lacroix. The Voyageurs were trailing the Gaels 23-10 going into the second quarter.

The Vees came out strong in the second quarter, with a 3-point shot by Kamil Dia Hantchi, but the Gaels quickly scored 10 points within 2 minutes. Halfway through the quarter, Laurentian called a timeout to get organized both offensively and defensively. A few minutes later, Pierre Mukandila and Hantchi made a combination of 4 points, leading to a timeout call by Queen's. The Gaels doubled their lead 46-21 going into the half.

To start the second half, the Voyageurs were scoreless for the first two minutes, until Hantchi made another 3-point shot, followed by a layup from Daniel Muila a few minutes later. Later on, Hantchi scored 5 points within 30 seconds, while Lacroix scored a layup. The Gaels were in a comfortable lead, sitting at 72-33 going into the last quarter.

In the last ten minutes, Mukandila made a layup and a 3-point shot for the Voyageurs. To end the points on Laurentian's side, Muila made one free throw. Even though the Voyageurs put up a great effort, the Gaels won the game 91-39.

The standout performers were Kamil Dia Hantchi with 13 points, Daniel Muila with 10 rebounds, and Pierre Mukandila with 9 points and 4 rebounds.

The Voyageurs are back in action Saturday night, as they host the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks to close out home opener weekend. Tip off is set for 8pm.

-Madison Boileau